The number of fatalities from a landslide at a large garbage dump in Uganda's capital, Kampala, has increased to 13, according to police statements on Sunday, as rescue teams continued their efforts to find survivors. Following heavy rainfall over the past few weeks, a portion of the waste from the city's only landfill broke loose on Friday night, devastating homes near the site while residents were asleep. The Kampala Capital City Authority initially reported eight deaths on Saturday. "We have confirmed 13 deaths so far, and the rescue operations are still ongoing," stated police spokesperson Patrick Onyango. He also mentioned that at least 14 individuals have been saved, with the possibility of more being trapped, though the exact number remains uncertain. The Uganda Red Cross has established tents close to the area for those affected by the disaster. The landfill, referred to as Kiteezi, has been Kampala's primary garbage disposal site for many years and has grown into a substantial mound. Local residents have frequently expressed concerns about the environmental pollution and safety risks posed by the hazardous waste. The city authority's attempts to secure a new landfill site have been protracted for several years. Similar incidents have occurred in other parts of Africa due to inadequate management of municipal waste. In 2017, at least 115 people perished in Ethiopia from a landslide at a garbage dump in Addis Ababa. Additionally, in 2018, a similar catastrophe in Maputo, Mozambique, claimed the lives of at least 17 people.
Text: Lara Palmer
11.08.2024
Rescue efforts continue at Uganda's Kiteezi landfill after heavy rains trigger a deadly landslide